Improve Your Concentration
Are the holidays piling on the distractions? Do you find it more difficult to focus? Are all the blinking lights turning red?
Here are a few tips to keep you on track so you may enjoy the holidays and be prepared for a new year:
• Exercise
Regular exercise improves concentration, reasoning, problem solving and memory
Daily (5days/week) walking or cycling may improve the brain’s health and performance
A short power walk can clear your mind, invite focus

• Eat Smart Food

Blueberries
Salmon
Avocado
Eggs
Nuts
Leafy greens
Dark chocolate

AVOID highly processed foods or those loaded with saturated fat and sugar (I know – it’s that time of year for cheesecake and eggnog and… !)

• Turn ON the background noise
Findings from a Journal of Consumer Research study show that small levels of background noise can actually heighten focus and creativity. A local coffee shop may be the perfect atmosphere to finish a report or work on a project. Listening to relaxing music may boost concentration.
Of course, when that one song keeps running through your head, it is time to change the background noise!

• Succumb to distraction
Sometimes, the temporary respite you need is indulging whatever is interfering with your concentration on a particular project. Maybe if you send that text, or check your e-mail, or get that snack (dark chocolate, of course!), the break will allow you to turn your full attention back to work.

• Meditate
Meditation has the power to recharge tired minds, improve focus, memory and creativity, and increase energy. And it’s simple to do – though one has to commit to do it: sit quietly with eyes closed and focus on breathing. Use ear buds to quiet the world around you. Take a deep breath … ahhhhh…

• Smile
The act of smiling can reset your mood – everything will not suddenly be better, but you may suddenly feel better. And if you feel better, you may perform better.